Mario Mallory, 48, Dies Following Car Crash on I-20
Burke County and Richmond County authorities are set to discuss the death of Mario Mallory, who was ejected from his vehicle during a May 29th collision on Interstate 20.
Columbia County officials announced the arrest of Basheenia Vasalate Lee, 48, on Wednesday. Jail records confirm Lee’s booking.
The fatal incident occurred on the eastbound lanes of I-20 near mile marker 189.
A joint press conference is scheduled for Monday, bringing together the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office to address the incident.
Officials state that the 2018 Kia Soul driven by Lee and a 1994 Chevrolet C2500 collided on the highway.
According to the police report, Lee claimed she drifted off the road due to falling asleep, which caused her to awaken abruptly and veer sharply to the left.
The report indicates the Kia Soul first collided with a guardrail. Following that impact, the vehicle rolled onto its passenger side, forcefully ejecting the passenger.
Mallory, identified as the individual ejected from the Kia Soul, later succumbed to his injuries at Doctor’s Hospital. His passing was officially recorded at 12:05 p.m. on June 4.
Investigating deputies have assigned liability for the crash to Basheenia Vasalate Lee.
Lee faces charges including second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to remain in her lane, per the details in her jail records.
